Canyon’s Edge Tasting Room Opens In South Kennewick

Every day the world gets a little smaller. At least it is in the world of wine. Lately there have been a number of wineries that I haven’t heard from in a long time suddenly coming back into my life again. I guess it goes to show that you should never burn bridges. Your next glass of wine might be coming across that bridge tomorrow.

One such winery that I hadn’t herd from in a while was Canyon’s Edge Winery located out on Aldercreek Canyon in the Horse Heaven Hills. Owned by the Groth family, Canyon’s Edge was known for years mostly for its amazing grapes. The Alder Ridge site is source of thousands of barrels of local wine from the region. Many acclaimed winemakers either mix or use Alder Ridge juice in the making of their wines.

In 2003 the Groths decided to make their own wine, creating a limited bottling of Cab, Syrah, and Merlot as well as a Red Blend and a Rose. Their tasting room in Prosser was always a mandatory stop for me when I was in town. Little did I know that Canyon’s Edge had come to meet me in the Tri Cities until I arrived at the new tasting room yesterday and recognized the name.

I was greeted warmly at the door by tasting room manager Lee Carew, who gave me a tour of the facility and tasted me through their portfolio. The tasting room is a beautiful two level suite with a bar made out of barrel staves, big fluffy chairs, and a fantastic patio.

Canyon’s Edge has added several new wines to their list this year. Their portfolio is extensive, but I want to share some of my favorites.

First, I was impressed with their newly released 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. This one hits the spot. Just enough lemongrass and citrus to cleanse the palate with seafood or cream sauces, but enough creaminess to make it good for just enjoying on a warm evening.

The 2005 Rose’ of Syrah was very pleasant. A bit sweet to the taste, but very low in sugar. Most of the sweetness just comes from the bold fruit flavors of blackberry, cherry, and a hint of herbs that makes the wine jump from the glass. Definitely a porch wine for this spring.

One of the Canyon’s Edge wines that turned my head years ago was the Sagebrush Red. The 2006 vintage lives up to my expectations. Very well priced for what it offers, Sagebrush is a wonderful blend of Cab, Merlot, Syrah, and Cab Franc. A nose and flavors of dark stone fruits, with lots of pepper and baking spices.

Another new wine for Canyon’s Edge is their newly released 2005 Sangiovese. Bright cherry and spices jumped right out of the glass. I took a bottle home and enjoyed it with my spaghetti and spicy meat sauce.

Canyon’s Edge also offers a line up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve Cabernet, Merlot, Reserve Merlot, and Syrah. Each was delightful to taste. I would highly recommend picking some up.

Last, the day would never be complete without Jeremiah’s Chocolate. A rich dark port-style wine that opens up and ends with dark rich cocoa finish. Mmmmmm!

For a fun adventure I recommend taking the first Tri Cities exit and visiting the Canyon’s Edge tasting room. While you’re here you can visit Anelare and AVA wine rooms next door as well.

Enjoy!

Several Wine Events Worth Attending This Summer

Every so often I get a deluge of requests to post information about upcoming events in my column. I try to point out the ones that I either am attending, or wish I was attending, as I know the world rotates around my tastes and opinions (just kidding).

First, the wineries of the Horse Heaven Hills Wine Growers are celebrating the fourth anniversary of the Horse Heaven Hills appellation with their “Horse Heaven Hills Trail Drive” on Saturday, July 18. The event includes a winery tour from 11a.m. to 5 p.m., with a BBQ dinner, music, and prizes from 6 to 8 p.m. at Crow Butte State Park.

Wineries and tasting rooms taking part in this annual event are: Columbia Crest, Canoe Ridge Estate, Alexandria Nicole, Heaven’s Cave, Canyon’s Edge, Chateau Champoux, & McKinley Springs Wineries pouring at Crow Butte park also include Coyote Canyon, Martinez & Martinez and Robert Karl. Some of these facilities are rarely opened to the public, making this a great opportunity to go where few have gone before.

Cost for this event is $40 through July 11 and $50 after July 11. Tickets include an event glass, tour & tasting and BBQ dinner. To secure tickets and make reservations for the BBQ call 1-509-894-4528.

Second, The Seattle Wine Awards second annual Grand Awards Tasting will be held at The Rainier Club, located at 820 4th Avenue in Seattle, tomorrow, Sunday, June 14. The event offers an exclusive opportunity to taste award winning wines, meet the winemakers, and enjoy an array of gourmet cuisine. VIP Tickets are $125, and General Admission is $85.

I’ve included a provided list of the Double Gold winning wines that will be tasted at the event. If you can’t attend on such short notice I suggest purchasing these locally and trying at home as they really are very good wines.

Dessert Style Wines - 2006 CR Sandidge "KISS".

Rieslings - 2008 Kiona Vineyard, 2008 Silver Lake Roza, and 2006 Steppe Cellars Dry Riesling.

White Varietals - 2008 Kyra Wines Chenin Blanc, 2008 Whitman Cellars Viognier, 2006 Ste Michelle Cold Creek Chardonnay, 2007 Red Sky "Sémillon Rosebud", and 2008 Coyote Canyon Winery Roussanne.

Cabernet Sauvignons - 2006 Alder Ridge Winery, 2006 Barnard Griffin CV Reserve, 2005 Boudreaux Cellars Reserve, 2006 Cougar Crest Estate Winery, 2007 Obelisco Estate, 2006 Alexandria Nicole Cellars, 2006 Milbrandt Vineyards Estates, 2006 Reininger Winery Helix, and 2006 Watermill Winery.

Malbecs - 2006 Alder Ridge Winery, 2006 Watermill Winery, and 2007 William Church Winery.

Merlots - 2005 FortWalla Walla Cellars Pepperbridge, 2005 Kestrel Vintners Old Vine, 2006 PepperBridge Winery, 2006 Five Star Cellars, and 2006 Maryhill Proprietor's Reserve.

Red Bordeaux Styles - 2004 CR Sandidge "Tri*Umph", 2005 FortWalla Walla Cellars "Treaty", and 2007 Waters Winery "Interlude".

Red Proprietary Blends - 2005 Buty "Columbia Rediviva", 2003 Gordon Brothers Cellars "Tradition", 2006 Walla Walla Vintners Cuvée, 2006 Gamache Vintners "Boulder Red," 2006 Goose Ridge Winery "G3 Red Blend", and 2007 RiverAerie Cellars "Spring Creek Red".

Other Red Varietals - 2006 O.S. Winery Petit Verdot, 2007 Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Franc, 2007 Walla Walla Vintners Sangiovese, and 2007 Syncline Mourvèdre.

Syrahs - 2005 Anelare, 2006 Bergevin Lane Barrel Select, 2006 DeLille Doyenne Grand Ciel Vineyard, 2006 Grand Rêve Vintners "Collaboration Series”, 2006 Long Shadows Vintners "Sequel", 2007 Olsen Estates, 2006 Ch Ste Michelle "Ethos", 2007 Dusted Valley Vintners Stained Tooth Syrah, 2006 Maryhill, and 2006 Northwest Totem Cellars Longhouse.

Check my blog at www.onerichwineguy.blogspot.com for more events each week. Have a great week, and see you there!